Providence Performing Arts Center

220 Weybosset Street,
Providence, RI 02903

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Showing 51 - 59 of 59 comments

JimRankin
JimRankin on June 10, 2005 at 12:41 pm

Recent color photos of this theatre can be found on the site: “America’s Stunning Theatres” by photographer and stagehand Noah Kern at: http://www.pbase.com/affablebeef/theatres Comments and information may be left there without registration; such can be public view or only to Mr. Kern. Scroll down the page to find the name, and then click on the sample image above it to be taken to the page of photos of it.

Roland L.
Roland L. on March 29, 2005 at 7:30 pm

Norelco, I suggest going to ppac.org or pbs.org and contacting them for dates. If memory serves me correctly, it is not every year that they do this show at this theater.

WURLITZER LOVERS PAY SPECIAL NOTE!!!!

They have free lunchtime organ concerts coming up. Go to ppac.org and then PPAC Show Calendar for the free organ concert times and dates.

carolgrau
carolgrau on March 29, 2005 at 5:26 pm

Roland L., Please see if you can find out who to get in touch with for these concerts.
Thanks
Dave Grau (Mungo)
Norelco

Roland L.
Roland L. on March 29, 2005 at 1:02 am

The wife and I go to PPAC about once a year. I have never, ever seen such a glorious, glamorous show of opulence that I do not believe can be duplicated in the present day.

The ornate carvings and red clothed walls with the eye catching gold trimmed woodwork. The organ that sits in its hideway and the ever imposing balcony.

This theater can only be matched by the theater musicals shown in older films. One can only expect Ethel Merman to walk out from the side stage entrance……

If anyone is contemplating visiting Rhode Island to see this theater, I highly recommend that you make the trip. It beats any other theater that I have ever seen including Boston.

FWIW, this theater also holds the Golden Oldies concerts to raise money for the PBS stations…………

tlccar1
tlccar1 on May 24, 2004 at 12:38 pm

Yesterday, I went to see Starlight Express at PPAC, and I am still amazed at the architecture of this magnificent theatre. It is such a thrill to see a performance there, and to think that it was so close to the wrecking ball in the 1970’s (to make a PARKING LOT!!!) We are so lucky to have such a beautiful place in our downcity to go to…I am grateful every time I enter that wondeful building.

Gerald A. DeLuca
Gerald A. DeLuca on March 15, 2004 at 3:24 pm

I remember August, 1949, as a child of seven, being taken by my older sister to see a revival showing of the movie THE WIZARD OF OZ, which I was seeing for the first time. We went to a matinee. Admission was 60 cents till 5 PM, children 35 cents at all times. Before the film we saw a live stage performance by singer Frankie Laine…including the song “Mule Train.” Also performing were Artie Dawn, Four Step Brothers, The Four Macks, and Connie Haines. The Journal ad said “Loew’s State Brings You the Gayest State & Screen Combination Show!” The movie was one of the first I had ever seen. I remember the theatre as being packed and just extremely exciting.
I fell in love with the movie and with the theatre itself. It is one of my most vivid childhood memories.
In 1954 I saw GONE WITH THE WIND here for the first time at a revival showing. 11 A.M admission was 25 cents.
Oh yes, this theatre was and remains the most beautiful entertainment palace in the state of Rhode Island.

WilliamMcQuade
WilliamMcQuade on April 2, 2002 at 11:44 am

This theater opened in 1928. The architects were Rapp & Rapp. the seating capacity was originally 3000 seats

WTisdale
WTisdale on October 22, 2001 at 11:42 am

I have sent e-mails before asking about seeing the organ and theatre when we visit Providence on November 1st. No replies yet. Can you answer the question?

My wife and I are theatre organ buffs and would love to talk to the organist or visit the organ.

Thanks